Machine tool



Feb. 6, 1951 R. E. @2085 ET AL 2,540,323

MACHINE TOOL Filed Nov. 17, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR-S, dz 3 (w s, BY //zzrz a 72 R. E. CROSS ET AL Feb. 6 1951 MACHINE TOOL 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed NOV. 17, 1945 my w W2 m? w U m? a? 5 F d;

Feb. 6, 1951 R. E. cRoss ET AL MACHINE TOOL 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed NOV. 17, 1945 I. q INVENTOR- Z df'a 1951 R. E. CROSS ET AL 2,540,323

MACHINE TOOL Filed NOV. 17, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 /6.9 I INVENTORS,

E g Bzzrf 0. 766%.

W, vZ J.

Patented Feb. 6, 1951 MAGH E TOOL R h Cr ss ro e nts, and. Kurt, 0. Tech,

East Detroit; Mich; said'lec'h assignor to' sa'id Cross ApplicationNovemher 17, 1945, Serial No. 629,228

7 Claims. 1

This invention relates tonew and useful improvements in automatic latlies.

Metal castings frequently are considerably oversize. For example, in the case of shells for large caliber gunsfthe shell casting frequently is as much as two inches oversize. This excess metal accounts for approximately 160 lbs of the total weight of the casting and must beremoved in a preliminary roughing operation." If the casting has a cylindrical outer surface, this .operation may be done conveniently by means of a lathe; however, a great deal of time is required if conventional machines and methods are employed. important object of this invention is to provide a lathe that is eminently suited for use in heavy duty roughing operations of the type hereinabove referred to.

Another object 'of the invention is to. provide a lathe that is rugged in construction and capable of handling relatively large workpieces.

Still another object of the invention is to pro vide a lathe of the above-mentioned character that can out large amounts of metal from'a workpiece in a minimum of time.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a lathe of the above-mentioned character that automatically controls a plurality of cutting tools on one cutting stroke to remove a layer of metal from the workpiece and then automatically adjusts the control means so that another layer or" material is removed from the workpiece on the second cutting stroke of the tools.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the drawings forming a part of this specifi-.

cation and wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Fig. l is a front elevation of a lathe embodying the invention, 7

Fig. 2 is .an end elevation thereof,

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the cam plate comprising a part of the invention and showing diagrammatically how the cam plate controls the tools during the cutting operation,

Fig. 4 is a fragmentarytop plan view of the lathe,

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken on the linef5-5 of Fig. '1,

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on .the line 5-6 of Fig. 1,

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken on the line l'. 'l of Fig. 6, Fig. 7A i a fragmentar vertical.. sectional view taken on the line lA-IA of Fig; 6;

li'ig. 8 is a.v wiring diagram schematically illustratii g. the electrical circuit for-the lathe, and

Fig. '9i's1a diagrammatic viewof the hydraulic circuit whichcontrols the operation of the lathe. Considered in certain of its broader aspects, theihve'ntion comprises a lathe equippedwith aheadstock' and'a tailstockfor clamping and holding the workpiece, means for rotatably driving theworkpiece, and a 'mechanism for controllinga' plurality of cutting won through two complete cycles of operation insucli'manner that the tools remove a layer of metal from the workpiece aunng'one'cyne of operation and are then auto- Inatically adjusted "n'd positioned-to remove a se'colnd layerof. metal from the workpiece during thefs'econd cycle of operation. The'latter mechanism includes a tool carriage mounted for horizontal sliding movement on a suitable supporftf In the. particular embodiment thedarrihge is prooftheinv'e'iition here shown, 'vided with seven tool-carrying devices which are mounted verticallyabove the workpiece and disposed in horizontally spaced relation. Each of the cutting to'ols is moved vertically into and out of engagement with the workpiece by a hydraulic t ansmiss on and the carriage is driven horizontally b'yfa'separate hydraulic transmission to move the. tools longitudinally along the 1 workpiece. A cam were is mounted" on the support hehind the carriag'a'nd thetool-c arry ing devices are provided with rollers which .engagethe' cam surfaces to limit the 'depth o f cut when the tools are moved toward the workpiece. The rollers also follow the Camsurfacesduring horizontal movement of thelcarri'a'ge to controlthe path followed by the work-engaging en'dsofthe cutting tools. Thus, thedepth' of out is det ermi iied by the vertical position'of the cam plate and the external shape offthe workpiece is determined by the shape of the cam surfaces.

Since'it' frequently is necessary to remove, more metal from t wer s ese th a b don n o mt q hett n tools, p ision s mad ior ii a l a ita in e cam la e- It will beapparent that the mechanism foradjusting the -cam plate In st be exceedingl sturdy since the platesusta-ins the combined thrust of the tool actuating hydraulic transmissions. ,Acd llsi tessntinr atio h dius mer is e W l ow -9'5 an, 9 ns slide posit one behindthe cam plate. The slide is formed with anincline'd key which his in a similarly inclined kevwayx in the Edam plataso that' the latter is raised and lowered byre ocation of. the slide. Actuation of. thefl's'lide is effeated by a separate. hydraulic transmission. 'Tlie tool carriage is first operated with the cam plate in the raised position so that the tools remove a portion of the excess metal from the workpiece and then operated with the cam plate in the lowered position to remove the rest of the metal.

Separate hydraulic circuits are provided. One circuit supplies fluid under pressure simultaneously to the tool carriage and tool actuating transmissions and the other circuit supplies fluid under pressure to the elevating slide transmission. Each of these hydraulic circuits includes a solenoid operated four-way valve which controls the direction of fluid flow therein. An electrical circuit is also provided which includes the solenoids, a manually operated master switch and switches operated automatically by moving parts of the machine.

The operation cycle is begun with the master switch open and the cam plate in the raised position. When the master switch is closed, the solenoid which controls the four-way valve in the first-mentioned hydraulic circuit is energized and positions the valve to direct fluid behind the pistons in this circuit. As a result, the cutting tools are moved downwardly toward the workpiece until the cam rollers engage the cam plate, and the tool carriage is actuated to move the tools longitudinally along the workpiece. At the end of the cutting stroke, the tool carriage operates a limit switch which deenergizes the above solenoid and energizes the solenoid which actuates the four-way valve in the second-mentioned hydraulic circuit. This operation reverses the fourway valve in the first hydraulic circuit to raise the cutting tools and retract the tool carriage, and simultaneously positions the four-way valve in the second hydraulic circuitto direct fluid under pressure behind the piston in that circuit so that the slide is moved longitudinally to lower the cam plate. When the tool carriage returns to its initial position, it operates a second limit switch which again energizes the first solenoid to repeat the cutting operation. This time, however, the cam plate is in the lowered position so that the cutting tools remove additional material from the workpiece At the end of the second cutting stroke, the tool carriage again operates the first limit switch which then de-energizes both of the solenoids and returns all of the parts to the initial position.

In one hour, the lathe will handle about seven shell castings of the type hereinabove referred to and remove about 1,200 lbs. of excess metal. Under the circumstances, this is an exceedingly rapid operation and it will be readily appreciated that the eificacy of the machine is due to its unique construction and mode of operation.

For a more detailed description of the invention, reference is had to the accompanying drawings which show a heavy duty lathe having a base H1. Mounted in spaced relation on the base H1, is a headstock l2 and a tailstock I4 which cooperate in the conventional manner to clamp and rotatably drive the workpiece it. The latter is here shown in the form of a forging from which a large caliber shell is to be made.

Disposed directly above the workpiece l6 are a plurality of cutting tools 18 and the present invention is primarily concerned with a mechanism for holding and substantially automatically operating these tools. This mechanism includes a vertical support 26 which is here shown in the form of a relatively massive hollow casting and is mounted on the base I intermediate behind and laterally of the headstock l2 and tailstock I4. Mounted for horizontal sliding movement on the front vertical face 22 of the support is a tool-carriage 24. Adjacent its lower edge the tool carriage 24 is formed with a laterally extending lip 26. The inner face of this lip defines a dovetail joint 28 which engages a correspondingly shaped shoulder 30 On the support 20. At its upper edge the tool carriage 24 is formed with a laterally extending lip 32 which overlays a vertical flange 34 on the support 23 and carries a guide strip 36 which projects downwardly behind the flange 34 and co-operates with the dovetail 28 in holding the tool carriage securely but slidably associated with the support. As best shown in Fig. 6, the guide strip 36 is detachably secured to the tool carriage 24 by bolts 38 so that the tool carriage can be readily mounted on or removed from the support. A longitudinally tapered gib 49 positioned between the flanges 42 and 44 On the support and tool carriage, respectively, is longitudinally adjustable to hold the dovetail joint 28 against the shoulder 38 and to compensate for wear due to frictional engagement between the support and tool carriage.

The tool carriage 24 is slidably actuated by a hydraulic transmission which comprises a cylinder 46 bolted or otherwise secured at one end of the support 20 and a piston 48 mounted for reciprocation in the cylinder. The piston 48 is provided with a piston rod 58 which extends through a stufiing box 52 in one end of the cylinder and is attached to the adjacent end of the carriage.

The cutting tools l8 are carried by and movable with the tool carriage 24 (Figs. 6 and 7). Each of the cutting tools 18 is mounted in a quill which is preferably in the form of a longitudinally divided sleeve. The quill sections 54 and 5B are provided with registering longitudinal channels 58 and 65, respectively, which co-operate to form a passage or socket for the upper portion of the cutting tool. The tool l8 preferably fits loosely in the socket and set screws 62 extending transversely through the front quill section 55 engage the tool shank to hold it solidly in the quill. If desired, the tool shank and the socket may be square in cross section as shown in Fig. '1 to prevent the tool from twisting or turning during operation of the machine. Disposed in the quill passage above the cutting tool is a backup block 64 and attached to the upper end of the quill is a cover plate 66 which carries a vertical adjusting screw 68. This screw extends into the quill passage and against the backup block st to adjust the cutting tool vertically and to limit upward movement thereof in the quill.

The lathe is here shown equipped with seven cutting tools although it is to be understood that any desired number may be provided. The number of tools can be varied depending upon the size of the workpiece 16.

The tool-holding quills are mounted for vertical sliding movement between the tool carriage 24 and a retaining plate l2 which is bolted or otherwise secured to the carriage. As shown in Fig. '7, the quill sections 54 fit in recesses '36 provided in the face of tool carriage .24 and the complementary quill sections 56 fit in registering recesses 14 provided in the rear face of the retaining plate 12. The outer surfaces of the quills are noncircular in shape and the recesses iii and M are correspondingly shaped to prevent rotation or twisting of the quills.

The quills are slidably actuated by hydraulic 7s transmissions which are carried by and movable rods 8% which extend downwardly through openings 36 and stuffing boxes 88 and connect with respective cover plates 66. The latter connections comprise headed studs 90 on the lower ends of the piston rods 84 which fit in correspondingly shaped recesses orguideways 92 in the cover plates 84.

From the foregoing, it will be readily apparent that pistons 82 move the cutting tools I8 vertically into and out of engagement with the workpiece It and that operation of piston48 moves the tool carriage 2 3 horizontally. The workpiece I6 is rotatably driven by headstock I2 and horizontal travel of the tool carriage 24 causes the cutting tools it to move longitudinally along the workpiece. The tool carriage is moved a distance equal to or slightly greater than the distance between adjacent cutting tools I 8 so that each cutting tool moves to or slightly beyond the position on the workpiece initially occupied by the preceding tool. Thus, an entire layer of metal is removed from the workpiece I 6 by a single reciprocation of the tool carriage.

Suitable mechanism is provided for limiting downward movement of the cutting tools I8 and for controlling the tools during horizontal travel of the tool carriage 26. This mechanism is mounted in a horizontal elongated chamber 94 provided directly behind the tool quills and formed by registering recesses in the confronting faces of the support 20 and tool carriage 24.

Positioned foremost in the chamber 94 is a cam plate 95 which is bolted or otherwise secured to a backing plate 98. Forwardly projecting flanges ital and IE2 formed on the backing plate 98 embrace the upper and lower edges of cam plate 96 and abut against retainer plates I83 and I04 which are bolted to the support 20 and hold the cam plate spaced from the forward wall of the chamber. the backing plate 98 and forwardly projecting ears IE6 provided on support 20 rigidly hold the plate against longitudinal movement and adjusting screws lei carried by ears I06 forwardly of the spacers I85 provide for longitudinal adjustment of the cam plate 96.

Secured on the front of cam plate 96 are a plurality of cam blocks I08. As best shown in Fig. 3, the cam blocks I08 are arranged in two vertically spaced rows and the cam blocks in the two rows are disposed in staggered relation with each other. One cam block is provided for each of the cutting tools I8 and each cam block is positioned directly behind its respective cutting tool. Cam followers IIO attached to the rear surfaces of the quills by mounting plates H2 extend rearwardly through vertical slots I M Spacers I05 wedged solidly between,

in the tool carriage 24 and project into the chamber 93 above respective cam blocks I08. Rollers Iti carried by the cam followers IIO engage the upper cam surfaces II8 of blocks I08 to limit downward movement of cutting tools I8. When the tool carriage 24 is moved horizontally, rollers H6 ride along the cam surfaces II8 which thus control the path followed by the cutting ends of the tools and determine the shape or contour of the workpiece I6. It will be observed that each of the cam surfaces '8 is inclined at one end as at I 20. When the "tools I8 are moved downwardly with the tool carriage 24 in the starting or retracted position, rollers [I6 engage the inclined surfaces I20 and, as the carriage advances, the I'OllBI'S move downwardly onto the surfaces H8. When the rollers move downwardly on the inclined surfaces I20 tools I8 cut into the workpiece I6 and, as the rollers traverse cam surfaces lit, the cutting tools remove continuous metal shavings from the workpiece.

As suggested, it frequently is necessary to remove a greater thickness of metal from the workpiece It than can be done conveniently in a single operation; accordingly, provision is made for vertically adjusting the cam plate 95. The tool carriage 25 can then be operated once with cam plate 96 in a raised position to remove a layer of metal from the workpiece I6 and then operated again with the cam plate in a lowered position to remove a second thickness of metal from the workpiece. Vertical adjustment'of the cam plate as is achieved by an elevating slide I22 which is positioned behind the backing plate 90. The front surface of slide I22 is formed with a guide I2e which snugly fits a guideway E26 in the rear surface of the backing plate and both the guide and guideway are inclined slightly from the horizontal. Vertically spaced guides l2t attached to the support I20 project into vertical elongated guideways I30 in the rear surface of the retainer plate '98 and prevent the latter from moving horizontally. Thus, horizontal movement of slide I22 forces the retainer plate and the attached cam plate 913 to move vertically in chamber 94 and relative to the rollers H6. It will be readily apparent that cam plate as is raised or lowered depending upon the direction slide I22 is moved.

Since the rollers I I6 are pressed against the cam blocks I08 by the combined forces of pistons 82, the means for raising and lowering the cam plate must be exceedingly sturdy. In practice, the arrangement here shown has proven to be eminently satisfactory. Slide I22is efficacious in holding the cam plate in the selected adjusted position and in sustaining the combined thrust of the various hydraulic transmissions which actuate the cutting tools I8.

Slide I22 is reciprocated by a suitable hydraulic transmission which comprisesa cylinder I32 and piston I38. Cylinder 552 is attached adjacent one end of the support 28 and piston I34 has a piston rod I35 which extends fromthe cylinder through an opening I38 and stuffing bcr- Mil. The piston rod I 36 is attached to a bracket I52 which is bolted or otherwise secured to slide I22 and extends rearwardly through a horizontally elongated slot I lein the support 20. From the foregoing, it will be readily apparent that reciprocation of piston I34 moves slide 12-2 horizontally to raise and lower the cam plate 526. Movement of the slide is limited by set screws I t5 carried by ears I06 as best shown in Fig. 5

Attention is now directed to Fig. 9 which diagrammatically illustrates the hydraulic system for operating the various hydraulic transmissions. This system comprises two circuits one of which simultaneously serves the transmissions which actuate the tool carriage and cutting tools while the other serves the transmission which actuates the slide I22.

Fluid'under pressure is supplied tothefirstementioned circuit from a suitable pump I47 through a fluid supply line 106 which leads to the inlet of a solenoid actuated four-way valve I48. in

one position of the four-way valve I48, the fluid discharges through a pipe I52 simultaneously to cylinder 46 behind piston 48 and to each of the cylinders 16 behind pistons 82. Fluid in cylinder 46 ahead of piston 48 discharges through pipes I54 and I56, metering valve I58 and pipes I68, I62 and I64 back to the four-way valve I48 and thence through pipes I86 and IE8 to a suitable sump or container I68. The metering valve I58 is adjustable in the conventional manner to regulate the rate of flow through the discharge pipe and thus controls the speed at which piston 48 advances. Any leakage past the valve drains through pipe I18 back to the container. It will be observed that the metering valve I58 is bypassed by a pipe I12 which is controlled by check valve I14. When fluid flows through the hydraulic circuit in the direction described above, check valve I14 is closed so that fluid is forced to discharge through the metering valve I58. However, when the four-way valve I48 is reversed to change the direction of flow of fluid in the circuit, it is desirable that piston 48 retracts rapidly and check valve I14 automatically opens so that the fluid by-passes the metering valve I58.

The second-mentioned hydraulic circuit comprises a fluid supply pipe I16 which branches from the main pipe I46 and connects with an inlet of a second solenoid actuated four-way valve I18. In one position of four-way valve I18, fluid is conducted to cylinder I32 behind piston I34 through pipe I82 and fluid in the cylinder ahead of piston I34 is conducted back to the fourway valve I18 by pipe I84 and thence discharges through pipe I86 to the fluid return pipe I68. It will be readily appreciated that four-way valve I18 is operated in the conventional manner to reverse the direction of flow of fluid in the circuit so that fluid under pressure can be conducted through pipe I84 to cylinder I32 ahead of piston I34 and discharged to the sump or container through pipe I82. I

The electric circuit which controls the operation of four-way valves I48 and I18 is shown schematically in Fig. 8. This circuit includes a transformer having a primary coil I88, a secondary coil I98 and a core I92. Current from any suitable source is conducted to the primary coil I88 through a wire I94 and, after traversing the primary coil, is conducted back to the source through a wire I95. Solenoids I98 and I91 which actuate the four-way valves I48 and I18, respectively, are connected in parallel with the primary coil I88 by wires I98, 288, 282 and 284. Wires I98 and 288 are controlled by normally open switches BI and B2, respectively, while wires 282 and 284 are controlled by normally open switches C--I and C2.

The secondary coil I98 is connected in four separate circuits. In the first circuit it is connected in series with a relay coil A, a limit switch 2860:, a normally closed'emergency stop switch 288, a normally open cycle start switch 2I8 and a normally open switch 2I2 by wires 2I4, 2I6, 2I8, 228, 222, 224, 226 and 228. Limit switch 286a is by-passed by a wire 238 which is controlled by a normally closed switch Dl. The cycle start switch 2I8 is by-passed by a wire 232 which is controlled by a normally open switch A-I.

In the second circuit the coil I88 is connected in series with a normally open switch A2, a relay coil B and a normally closed switch C-3 by 8 closed switch C-3 is by-p'a's'sed by a wire 244 which is controlled by a normally open switch In the third circuit the secondary coil I98 is connected in series with the normally open switch A-2, a relay coil C and a limit switch 2868 by wires 234, 248, 258, 252, 254, 256, 242 and 228.

Switch 28Gb i by-passed by a wire 258 which is controlled by the normally open switch C-4. The dotted line connecting limit switches 286a and 2861) indicates that these switches are coactive so that closing of one of these switches automatically opens the other. It will be observed, however, that this switch is normally held in the position shown in the drawing by a spring 259 or the like.

Inthe fourth circuit the secondary coil I88 is connected in series with the normally open switch A-2, a relay coil D, a limit switch 2'68 and a normally open switch 0-5 by wires 234, 248, 282, 264, 266, 268, 269, 256, 242 and 228. Limit switch 268 is held normally open by a spring 218 or the like and is by-passed by a wire 212 which is controlled by a normally open switch D-3.

In the above circuits, switch 2W is manually closed to start the cycle of operation and switch 2I2 is closed automatically by parts of the machine when the workpiece IE is clamped between the headstock I2 and tailstock Energization of the relay coil A simultaneously closes the two switches A-I and A-2, energization of the relay coil B simultaneously closes the switches 13-! and B2, energization of the relay coil C simultaneously closes switches C-I, C-2, C-4 and C--5 and opens switch C3 and energization of the relay coil D simultaneously opens switch Dl and closes switches D2 and D3. Limit switches 286 and 288 are operated by a dog 2'53 on the tool carriage 24 as illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 9. These switches are positioned so that dog 213 operates switch 286 when the carriage is in the fully advanced position and operates switch 268 when the carriage is fully retracted.

Before the cycle of operation is begun, the cutting tools I8 are in the raised position and out 'of engagement with the workpiece I6 as shown in Fig. l and the tool carriage 24 is retracted to position the cam rollers H5 directly above the inclined portions I28 oi the cam surfaces II8. The work piece I8 is clamped between the headstock I2 and tailstock I4 and rotatably driven thereby. As suggested, this operation automatically closes switch 2 i2. Current flows through the primary coil I88 but no current flows through the secondary coil I88 because of the open switches 268 and A-2.

To start the cycle of operation, the operator manually closes the cycle start switch 2). Ourrent then flows through the first-mentioned secondary circuit to energize the relay coil A which closes switches AI and A2. Switch AI merely serves to hold the circuit closed when the manually operated switch 248 is released; however, switch A-2 permits current to fiow through the second-mentioned secondary circuit to energize the relay coil B which then closes switches BI and B2. As soon as the latter switches are closed, current also flows through solenoid I96 which becomes energized and positions the four-way valve I48 to direct fluid under pressure through the first-mentioned hydraulic circuit in the direction indicated by the arrows in Fig. 9. Since no resistance is imposed upon the cutting wires 23 4, 236, 238, 248, and 242. The normally tool actuating pistons I82 until the cam rollers I I engage the cam blocks I08, all these cutting. tools are simultaneously lowered toward there: tating workpiece i 6 and until the cant roller en? gage the inclined surfaces I20. As soon as this occurs, the cutting tools are prevented/ from mov-.- ing further in the direction of the workpiece I6 and hydraulic pressure in cylinder moves pis-. ton 48 and the tool carriage 24 to the left as viewed in the drawings. During the initial move! ment of the carriage the cam rollers H6 move downwardly on the inclined portions" IZDand onto the cam surfaces H8. As the cam rollers H6 traverse the portions Hi], the cutting tools 18 are lowered still farther and into engagement with the workpiece I 6. After the cam rollers move onto the cam surfaces H8, continued advancement of the tool carriage 24 causes each of the cutting tools It to remove Ia metal shaving from the workpiece I5. Since hydraulic pressure is maintained at all times on the pistons 82, the cam rollers H5 are continually pressed against the cam surfaces H8 which thus control both the depth of cut and the contour of {the workpiece.

At substantially the time car iage 24 completes its forward movement dog 2i3 pens switch 206a and closes switch 2135b. When witch 206a opens, it does not interrupt the first-v entioned secondary circuit since current continues .to flow through the normally closed switch DI; however, when switch 28% closes, t establishes current flow through the third-mentioned secondary circuit to energize the relay coil C which then closes switches C--i, o 2, o s and o 5 and opens switch 0-3. Even though switch (3-5 is closed no current flows through the fourth-mentioned secondary circuit becaus of the open limit switch 258. However, as soo as switch C'3 opens it interrupts current flow through the second-mentioned secondary circ it and de-energizes solenoid E96 which then ositions the fourway valve I 48 to direct fluid t -rOug-h the firstmentioned hydraulic circuit in direction opposite to that indicated by the rrows in Fig. 9. When switches C-I and C-2 clipse, current flows then through solenoid I91, which whenenergized, positions the four-way valve I 8 to direct fluid through the second-mentioned ydraulic circuit in the direction indicated by the arrows in Fig.9.

It will be observed that at t is stage two operations occur simultaneously. luid under pressure entering cylinders E6 below pistons 82 move all of the cutting tools is and he coactive oam rollers i 55 upwardly out of eng gement with the workpiece i5 and cam surfaces H8. At the same time, fluid under pressure en ers cylinder 46 ahead of piston 48 and retracts tool carriage 44. While the cutting tools 18 are raised from the workpiece it and the tool car iage 24 is being retractec, hydraulic fluid in e second-mentioned hydraulic circuit adva ces slide I22 to lower the cam plates 95. Th:} latter operation is completed before the tool carriage 2.4 completes its return stroke. riage 24 begins its return strok it releases limit switch 236 and spring 259 retu ns the switch to the position shown in Fig. 8; h wever, the relay coil C is not de-energized when s itch 28Gb opens because of closed switch C-.4.

At substantially the time tool carriage 24 reaches the end of its return troke, dog 213 closes limit switch 2% agains' the action of sprin 2%. i op rati n n si es he 'r ay coil D which then opens switch .-I and closes switches [1-2 and Deed l lo For, the open switch D-I does not interrupt I ow .of current As soo as the tool care.

switch D.3.

hydraulic circuit in the direction indicated by the arrows in Fig. 9. Fluid pressure in cylinders I8 again moves the cutting tools is downwardly and fluid pressure in cylinder 48 advances the tool carriage 24. As the carriage 24 begins to advance for the second time, it releases limit switch 260 which is then opened by spring 218 but the relay coil D remains energized because of the closed Since the cam plate 96 is in the lowered position during the second operation of the tool carriage 24, the cutting tools is remove an additional amount of metal from workpiece I6.

When the tool carriage 24 reaches the end of its second cutting stroke, it again operates limit switch 2%, opening switch 286a and closing switch 20Gb. This time, however, switch DI is open so that the flow of current through the firstmentioned secondary circuit is interrupted as soon as switch 206a is opened. This deenergizes the coil relay A and opens switches A?I and A-2. Obviously, as soon as switch Ar2 opens, the current is interrupted through each of the second, third and fourth secondary circuits to deener-gize the relay coils B, C and D. Deenere gization of relays B and C opens switches Bi, B2 and CI, C2 to interrupt flow of current through the solenoids I96 and I91. As soon as the two solenoids are deenergized, four-way valves I48 and I18 reverse so that fluid flow's through both of the hydraulic circuits in a direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow in Fig. 9. Hy, draulic fluid in the circuits then raises all of the pistons 82 and retracts both of the pistons 48 and I34 to simultaneously move the cutting tools I8 away from work-piece It, retract the tool carriage 24 to its initial or starting position and retract slide I22 to raise the cam plate 95.

When the tool carriage 24 returns to its initial starting position, it stops and all of the tool.- carrying and operating parts remain stationary until the cycle start switch 2H3 is again closed.

It is to be understood that the form of the in vention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same and that various changes in the size, shape and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In an automatic lathe having mechanism for holding and rotatably driving a workpiece, a support; a tool carriage slidably mounted on the support; a plurality of tool-carrying devices each provided with a cam follower, said devices mounted for reciprocation in the carriage and adapted to move said tools relative to the workpiece; means for limiting movement of the tools toward the workpiece and controlling the path followed by the work-engaging ends of the tools during travel of said carriage including a cam plate provided with cam surfaces engaged by the cam followers, and an elevating slide coactiye with the cam plate to move the cam surfaces to dif rent ad us ed osit n relative to said cam followers; hydraulic transmissions for said carriage, said tool-carrying devices and said elevating slide; and a hydraulic circuit for supplying fluid under pressure to each of said hydraulic transmissions.

2. In an automatic lathe having mechanism for holding and rotatably driving a workpiece, a support; a tool carriage slidably mounted on the support; a plurality of tool-carrying devices each provided with a cam follower, said devices mounted for reciprocation in the carriage and adapted to move said tools relative to the workpiece; means for limiting movement of the tools toward the workpiece and for controlling the path followed by the work-engaging ends of the tools during travel of said carriage including a cam plate provided with cam surfaces engaged by the cam followers, and an elevating slide coactive with the cam plate to move the cam surfaces to different adjusted positions relative to the cam followers; hydraulic transmissions for said carriage, said tool-carrying devices and said elevating slide; hydraulic circuits for supplying fluid under pressure to each of said hydraulic transmissions, said hydraulic circuits including at least one solenoid actuated directional control valve; and an electric circuit including said solenoid and switch means actuated by the carriage.

3. In an automatic lathe having mechanism for holding and rotatably driving a workpiece, a support; a tool carriage slidably mounted on the support; a plurality of tool-carrying devices each provided with a cam follower, said devices mounted for reciprocation in the carriage and adapted to move said tools relative to the workpiece; means for limiting movement of the tools toward the workpiece and controlling the path followed by the work-engaging ends of the tools during travel of said carriage including a cam plate provided with cam surfaces engaged by the cam followers, and an elevating slide coactive with the plate to move said cam surfaces to different adjusted positions relative to the cam followers; hydraulic transmissions for said carriage, said tool-carrying devices and said elevating slide; hydraulic circuits for supplying fluid under pressure to said hydraulic transmissions, said hydraulic circuits including a first solenoid operated directional control valve for controlling said first and second-mentioned hydraulic transmissions and a second solenoid operated directional control valve for controlling the last-mentioned hydraulic transmission; and an electric circuit including said solenoids and switch means actuated by said carriage.

4. In an automatic lathe having mechanism for holding and rotatably driving a workpiece, a support; a tool carriage slidably mounted on the support; a plurality of tool-carrying devices each provided with a cam follower, said devices mounted for reciprocation in the carriage and adapted to move said tools relative to the workpiece; means for limiting movement of the tools toward the workpiece and controlling the path followed by the work engaging ends of the tools during travel of said carriage including a cam plate provided with cam surfaces engaged by the cam followers, and an elevating slide coactive with same cam plate to move the cam surfaces to diiierent adjusted positions relative to the cam followers; hydraulic transmissions for said carriage, said tool-carrying devices and said elevating slide; hydraulic circuits for supplying fluid under pressure to said hydraulic transmissions, said hydraulic circuits including solenoid actuated directional control valves for controlling the direction of flow of fluid in the circuits; and a metering valve for controlling the rate of flow of fluid from said first transmission when the tools are making their cutting strokes.

5. In an automatic lathe having mechanism for holding and rotatably driving a workpiece, a support; a tool carriage slidably mounted on the support; a plurality of tool carrying devices each provided with a cam follower, said devices mounted for reciprocation in the carriage and adapted to move said tools relative to the workpiece; means for limiting movement of the tools toward the workpiece and controlling the path followed by the work-engaging ends of the tools during travel of said carriage including a cam plate provided with cam surfaces engaged by the cam followers, and an elevating slide coactive with the plate to move the same to different adjusted positions relative to the cam followers; hydraulic transmission for said carriage, said tool-carrying devices and said elevating slide; hydraulic circuits for supplying fluid under pressure to said hydraulic transmissions, said hydraulic circuit including a first solenoid actuated directional control valve for controlling the first and secondmentioned transmissions and a second solenoid actuated directional control valve for controlling the last-mentioned transmission; and a meter ing valve for controlling the rate of flow of fluid from said first transmission when the tools are making their cutting strokes.

6. In an automatic lathe having mechanism for holding and rotatably driving a workpiece, a support; a tool carriage slidably mounted on the support; a plurality of tool carrying devices each provided with a cam follower, said devices mounted for reciprocation in the carriage and adapted to move said tools relative to the workpiece; means for limiting movement of the tools toward the workpiece and controlling th path followed by the work-engaging ends of the tools during travel of said carriage including a cam plate provided with cam surfaces engaged by the cam followers, and an elevating slide coactive with said I cam plate to move the cam surfaces to difierent adjusted positions relative to the cam followers; hydraulic transmissions for said carriage, said tool-carrying devices and said elevating slide; hydraulic circuits for supplying fluid under pressure to said hydraulic transmissions, said hydraulic circuits including solenoid actuated directional control valves for controlling the direction of flow of fluid in the circuits; a metering valve for controlling the rate of flow of fluid from said first transmission when the tools are making their cutting strokes; and an electric circuit including said solenoids and switch means actuated by said carriage.

7. In an automatic lathe having mechanism for holding and rotatably driving a workpiece, a support; a tool carriage slidably mounted on the support; a plurality of tool-carrying devices each provided with a cam follower, said devices mount ed for reciprocation in the carriage and adapted to move said tools relative to the workpiece; means for limiting movement of the tools toward the workpiece and controlling the path followed by the work-engaging ends of th tools during travel of said carriage including a cam plate provided with cam surfaces engaged by the cam followers, and an elevating slide coactive with the plate to move the same to different adjusted positions relative to the cam followers; hydraulic transmission for said carriage, said tool-carrying REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

Number 14 UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Piat Jan. 18, 1876 Barrow Dec. 31, 1901 Winckelmann July 30, 1907 Michel-Levg Sept. 4, 1917 Hague Oct. 31, 1933 Buell May 28, 1935 Morris Oct. 15, 1935 Curtis May 17, 1938 May Jan. 4, 1944 Dare Feb. 29, 1944 Kasen May 29, 1945 Casella Dec. 23, 1947 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Number Great Britain May 18, 1938 

